With the recording of The Burning Red, the band added new elements to its music, including a small amount of rapping vocals, a move which some believe to have been influenced by Luster himself.

Citing the need for a few B-side tracks, producer Ross Robinson encouraged the band to record a smooth-sounding cover of the Police song "Message in a Bottle" after hearing Robb Flynn experiment with it during rehearsal.

[9] However, Rick Anderson of AllMusic was among those who praised the album, stating Machine Head was "sounding a bit looser and less constricted musically than they have in the past.

[24][25] Shortly after the release of the album, Ross Robinson alleged there was significant tension between him and frontman Robb Flynn during the recording sessions, which he described in an interview as "very headstrong".

In response, a full page disparaging Robinson appeared on the band's website, calling him "ass of the month" and accusing him of trying to cover himself because of the album's mixed reception.

They considered it to be part of a greater trend of nu metal pop covers, but still said, "Robb Flynn and friends made a surprising choice in The Police's “Message in a Bottle,” which they proceed to deconstruct into a mewling, self-loathing hate-fest — the good kind.

"[29] All lyrics are written by Robb Flynn; all music is composed by Machine Head, except where notedProduction ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.